On New Year’s Eve, we enjoyed a beer that may or may not be available on the market at this point. As we noted about a year ago, the beer was officially released at a Foamers’ Folly event in January 2019. It was clear the brewery was proud of the collaboration with Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks, and it turns out they had every reason to feel that way.

Unicorn Blanket was described in Foamers’ press release as being “fermented using 100% Brettanomyces and blended with Sauvignon Blanc grape must.” Tasting more or less blindly (not reading the label or web-based tasting notes until after recording our impressions below), we did not actually know about the grape must at first but definitely noticed the vinous, white-wine-like nose and flavour. We’re not really white wine drinkers, but we loved the way that aspect complemented this refreshing brew.

The beer’s unusual name is no doubt a play on the term “horse blanket”, a phrase often used to describe one of the characteristic flavours of Belgian farmhouse ales (it took a while for that reference to click in). For us however, this recipe was less about extreme funkiness and more about showcasing some pleasantly flavourful esters.

For a high-ABV beer, it did not taste at all alcoholic to us; it was very drinkable. The brew has depth but is quite accessible; it would probably be more enjoyable than the average beer in this style for an entry-level drinker.

Unicorn Blanket is a wine-reminiscent beer in a wine-sized bottle that will appeal to a lot of craft beer lovers, if they can still get their hands on it. Even if you can’t find this beer, it’s a good indicator of what Foamers is capable of.

(4)

Appearance

(4)

Aroma

(4.2)

Palate

(4.4)

Flavour

(4.3)

Overall Enjoyment

4.2

About This Beverage

Colour: Gold

Head Size & Retention: Above average head/retention

Carbonation: Well Carbonated

Clarity: Cloudy

Balance: Balanced Malt/Hop

Drinkability: Definitely Drinkable

Enjoyment: I would definitely seek this beer out again

Malt Characteristics: Light, Biscuity/Bready

Hop Characteristics: Herbal

Other Flavours/Aroma: Bubblegum, Earthy/Funky, Vinous like white wine

Palate: Full Bodied, Juicy, Tart, Astringent or Puckering (Tannins)

Summary

For people that are not fans of Belgian farmhouse beers because of the ‘non-beer’ flavours, this would be a great entry beer despite the ABV.

Pros

Pleasant flavour but still a fair amount going on, still some depth

More enjoyable than average for this style for an entry level drinker

High ABV beer that does not at all taste alcoholic

Cons

Not actually as barnyardy or horse-blankety as you’d expect from the beer’s name. Not sure that’s actually a con.

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